Energy, unity draw fans to ULTRA music fest

At Ultra Music Festival, people sporting hair dyed all colors of the rainbow and wearing neon-colored clothing, fuzzies, colorful bathing suits, high-waisted shorts, and tutus are everywhere.

Ultra, which was first held in South Beach 1999, is an outdoor electronic music festival now held at Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami. It attracts a crowd ranging in age from young teens to adults, some of whom have been going to Ultra for years, and people come from near and far to experience the festival for themselves.

Looking out over the crowds dancing to artists such as Pretty Lights, Tommy Trash, Afrobeta, Skrillex, Knife Party, Duck Sauce, Tiesto, and Carl Cox, you see a huge, moving mass of people with their hands in the air.

This is Daniela Lopez's third year at Ultra, and she likes the unity of the people at the festival.

"It brings the people together," she said.

The festival is packed, and although the crowds can be overpowering at times, the number of people there makes the energy level skyrocket.

German Caceres, who has been to Ultra once before, loves the energy.

"It's just like a party," he said.

The festival features different stages spread out across the park, with artists performing throughout the afternoon and night.

"You can go from one stage to another," said Kyle Brutman. "You don't need to stay in one spot."

This was his first time at Ultra, and his favorite performances were Skrillex, Carl Cox, and Afrobeta, whom he had heard of but not listened to before.

While artists perform, visualizers on screens on the stages and light and laser shows captivate the crowds.

"Everything is lively, everything is happening," said Tahl Benyamin, another first-time Ultra-goer. "Everyone is enjoying themselves."

As for recommendations to people looking to go to Ultra for their first time?

He also suggests that only people who are familiar with electronic music go to Ultra: "Don't go if you don't listen to electronic music, because you'll just look like an idiot, and you'll feel like one, too."